Secure Full Funding for Inclusive Beach Changing Places

How to Secure Changing Places Funding for Inclusive Beaches

The Australian Government is now offering 100% funding for Changing Places facilities at inclusive beaches. This article breaks down what's covered, how councils can qualify, and how Modus Australia helps simplify the process from grant to install.

The Australian Government is now offering full funding for Changing Places facilities at inclusive beaches. That includes both ocean and river locations.

This update is part of the Accessible Australia Initiative, which aims to make public spaces across the country more accessible for people with disability. For councils, it’s a major opportunity to deliver real impact in coastal and riverside communities—without needing to find co-funding.

If you're planning an accessible beach project, here's what you need to know and how Modus Australia can help.

What’s Covered Under the New Grant?

Unlike some other streams under the Accessible Australia Initiative, this one is 100% funded by the Commonwealth.

That means eligible councils can access full support for:

The design and construction of Changing Places toilet buildings
Site works necessary for installation (e.g. utility connections, foundations)
Additional inclusive infrastructure such as mobi-matting or beach wheelchairs, if included in a compliant project plan

Funding is allocated through Federation Funding Agreements with state and territory governments. Councils should engage with their state contacts early to confirm location suitability and application timelines.

What Makes a Beach ‘Inclusive’?

An inclusive beach is one that gives people with disability access to the water, the sand, and supporting infrastructure.

Examples of accessible features include:

Beach wheelchairs for use on sand and uneven surfaces
Floating wheelchairs for safe entry into water
Mobi-matting to create stable pathways across sand

River beaches are now also eligible—even though some directories haven’t caught up yet. Final approval will depend on visitor use, community need, and nearby accessible facilities.

How to Secure Changing Places Funding for Inclusive Beaches

Timelines and Requirements

To qualify for funding, projects must follow strict timelines:

Purchase must begin within 12 months of funding approval
Installation must be completed within 18 months
Projects must include a Changing Places-compliant design
Engagement with a Changing Places Assessor is required for all three assessment stages

Facilities must also be listed on the National Public Toilet Map once complete.

Inclusive Beaches Funding Guide and Checklist

See if Your Council Is Eligible for Funding

Ensure your beach project is well-planned and fully funded. Download the Inclusive Beaches Guide and Checklist to see what’s covered, confirm eligibility, and access key steps—all in one practical download.

How Modus Can Help

We’ve helped councils across Australia deliver accessible toilet buildings that meet compliance, secure funding, and reduce on-site disruption. With more than 25 years in public infrastructure, we understand the full process—from grant to ground.

1. Funding and Application Support

We’ll help you:

Understand what the funding covers
Prepare an itemised quote for your submission
Ensure your project plan ticks every box
Coordinate with your state or territory government contact

2. Compliant Designs, Delivered Fast

Our prefabricated modular toilets are already designed to meet the Changing Places Design Specifications 2020. That means faster approvals, quicker installs, and less chance of costly design revisions.

3. Full Project Coordination

From design and procurement through to install and accreditation, our team manages every step of your Changing Places project—so you don’t have to.

Why Modus Australia is your trusted partner in Changing Places facilities

At Modus Australia, we specialise in making the process of installing Changing Places toilets straightforward and stress-free. From securing funding to the full design and construction process, we offer turnkey solutions for local councils. Our prefabricated modular toilet buildings are built to meet Changing Places standards, making them faster and more cost-effective to install.

Whether you’re planning your first facility or adding to your existing amenities, Modus Australia has the experience and expertise to guide you through every step of the process. Our modular public toilet buildings reduce on-site disruption, saving you time and money while delivering a high-quality outcome.